NO PETS AS PRESENTS … or Why Putting a Pet Under the Tree Can Be a Colossal Disaster

Okay folks. It's that time of year - twinkling lights, mistletoe, tinsel and presents wrapped with wonderful paper and bows. The family gathers around and ... lo and behold there it is! An adorable <insert type of small animal> frolicking under the tree.

What can be more adorable?

The very image makes me as a dog care professional shudder because gifting a pet at this time of year is a particularly bad proposition.

What's that? You're already committed to the puppy or kitten? Well, there are some things you can do to avoid disaster.